Army Safe Autumn Campaign now available

1 / 1Show Caption +Hide Caption –To help Soldiers counter hazards, the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center has released the annual Army Safe Autumn Campaign, a resource leaders and safety professionals may use to augment their existing risk management programs. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army Combat ReadinessSafety Center graphic design)VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT RUCKER, Ala. (Sept. 4, 2013) -- With the passing of Labor Day, minds turn from the lazy days of summer to thoughts of football parties, hunting season and exercise in the great outdoors. Just like any other season, however, autumn can be a risky time of year.

To help Soldiers counter the hazards, the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center recently released the annual Army Safe Autumn Campaign, a resource leaders and safety professionals may use to augment their existing risk management programs.

"This is many Soldiers' favorite time of year," said Brig. Gen. Timothy J. Edens, director of Army Safety and commanding general, USACR/Safety Center. "The kickoff of football and hunting seasons, combined with cooler weather, has a way of getting people outside."

Autumn is historically one of the Army's safer seasons, but of the accidents that do happen, most involve private motor vehicles, or PMVs.

"During the last several years, our Soldiers have shown they know how to stay safe," Edens said. "That's translated to fiscal 2013's double-digit reduction in PMV fatalities. As long as we're still losing Soldiers to these accidents, though, our work isn't done."

As of Aug. 22, Armywide fatalities in all PMVs, including sedans and motorcycles, were down 24 percent from fiscal year 2012.

The Army Safe Autumn Campaign contains posters, feature articles, public service videos and resource documents leaders and safety professionals can use to populate their safety boards, build safety briefs and start a conversation with their Soldiers on risk management.

"We can't let our guard down just because the Army's doing well regarding accidents," said USACR/Safety Center Command Sgt. Maj. Richard D. Stidley. "We can all use a refresher on risk management basics. That's what these seasonally targeted campaigns do."